🐟 Can babies eat anchovies?

Yes, from 6 months, when your baby is ready for solids. Tiny, bold-flavored fish. Fresh anchovies are best; canned ones are very salty.

From
6 months
Choking risk
Low
Common allergen
Fish
Iron-rich
Yes

How to serve anchovies by age

6 months

Use fresh anchovies, cooked and mashed, or rinse canned ones well and mash a tiny amount into sauces.

  1. Use fresh, or rinse canned well
  2. Mash finely
  3. Mix a little into sauces

Amount: A little, mixed in

9 months

Mashed into sauces, dressings or spreads.

  1. Rinse off salt
  2. Mash into sauces or spreads

Amount: A little, mixed in

12 months (1 year)+

Small amounts in pasta sauces or on toast.

  1. Rinse off salt
  2. Use a little in sauces

Amount: 1–2 tsp

Is anchovies a choking hazard?

Low risk Low risk when mashed. Canned and salted anchovies are very high in salt.

Anchovies and allergies

Allergen: fish Introduce anchovies on its own, early in the day, and watch for a reaction. Ask your pediatrician first if your baby has eczema or a known food allergy.

Nutrition

Omega-3, calcium, iron, protein.

Goes well with

pasta, tomato, bread / toast

More fish & seafood